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talc

talc, talcum powder

noun TALK Rare

Origin: From Arabic talq via medieval Latin talcum.

Usage Note

Talc in French refers both to the mineral talcum and to talcum powder used on skin. In everyday speech it often appears in the phrase poudre de talc ('talcum powder'). It is usually treated as an uncountable substance, so the plural is rarely needed.

Examples

"Elle met du talc sur ses pieds."

Natural Translation

She puts talcum powder on her feet.

Literal Translation

She puts some talc on her feet.

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